Hardin County Schools to remain closed for rest of semester

Hardin County Director of Schools Michael Davis announced Thursday that all Hardin County schools will remain closed for the remainder of the school year, at the recommendation of Gov. Bill Lee and after consultation with the county Board of Education.
Davis said a meeting is being held today with individual school principals and the central office staff to discuss how to provide additional student support in coming weeks.
He said Hardin County Schools’ successful meal program will continue through the end of the regular school year, which is May 22. Meals will continue to be provided to all children 18 and younger at 11 sites throughout Hardin County, each Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 11 a.m.
Davis also said graduation for high school seniors is still scheduled for May 22, but should circumstances force a change the backup date is June 19.
He urges parents and students to continue academic pursuits at home when possible. Available educational resources are on the district website at www.hardincoschools.com, under the “Information Regarding Coronavirus” banner.
Davis added that parents with questions can call him during regular office hours at the HCS Central Office at 925-3943, or your child’s school principal at the school’s main number.
The closure, which first began on March 17, is part of the state’s attempt to slow and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
As of Wednesday, the Tennessee Department of Health reports 6,079 confirmed cases and 135 deaths due to the disease. Hardin County, which has stood for weeks at two confirmed cases, increased to four confirmed cases, with no deaths.
Of the number of confirmed cases, the department says 663 have been serious enough to require hospitalization, and 2,196 have so far recovered from COVID-19. One of those said to have so far recovered is in Hardin County, and there have been 254 people tested for COVID-19 county-wide.
The governor said the Tennessee Department of Education will work with local school leaders to ensure there is flexibility for school districts across the state regarding year-end activities they need to complete.
Noting that students across the state have lost significant classroom instruction time, Lee said, “We are committed to continuing to provide resources that will keep our students engaged over these next several weeks, even while that will not be in school buildings.”
Lee also said he has asked Education Commissioner Penny Schwinn to convene a COVID-19 Child Well-being Task Force.
The Task Force will focus on working with state and local leaders to support communities “as we work together to check on our kids, after an extended time away from the classroom,” he said.